The Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Inclusive Governance, also known as the Citizens’ Coalition has urged the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to immediately halt the sale of its shares in four hotels to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the member of Parliament for North Tongu has filed a petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), calling for an inquiry into the sale of the four SSNIT-owned hotels to Dr. Acheampong. He is also urging CHRAJ to halt and investigate the sale
SSNIT is in the final stages of selling 60% of its shares in Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, and Labadi Beach Hotel to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by Mr Acheampong.
According to Edem Senanu, Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption and a member of the Coalition, the transaction poses a significant conflict of interest and must be stopped.
He cited the constitution, which prohibits public officers from putting themselves in a position of potential conflict of interest.
The Coalition is also calling on SSNIT to reveal all transactional documents related to the sale, citing the need for transparency and accountability.
“And we do know that the constitution says that a public officer ought not to put themselves in a potential conflict of interest, not just conflict but potential…but the constitution says don’t put yourself in a position of potential, it means you should be alert to the likelihood of a conflict of interest and prevent yourself from being in that situation.
“So it’s not accurate to say that from the information available, nothing has been breached. And so we think that this is an issue that we have every right to demand that the transaction should be stopped and there should be an investigation as to how we got to this stage.”
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